Popcorn is a favorite snack for many people, especially during movie nights. With its delicious salty and buttery flavor, it’s no wonder why popcorn is so popular. But how many calories in oil popped popcorn? That’s a question that many people have when they’re trying to watch their weight. The answer depends on the type of oil used to pop the popcorn and the serving size, but in general, oil popped popcorn contains between 5-10 calories per cup.
Nutrition Facts of Popping Oil
When it comes to popping oil, the kind of oil you use makes a big difference in the calorie count of your popcorn. The most commonly used oil for popping popcorn is vegetable oil, and it contains 120 calories per tablespoon. Coconut oil is also popular for popping popcorn, and it contains 117 calories per tablespoon. But if you’re looking for a lower calorie option, opt for olive oil. It contains only 90 calories per tablespoon.
Air Popped Popcorn
If you’re looking for an even lower calorie option, you can opt for air popped popcorn. This type of popcorn is made without any oil and contains only 31 calories per cup. The downside to air popped popcorn is that it doesn’t have that delicious buttery flavor. But if you’re watching your calories, it’s a great option.
Nutritional Value of Popcorn
In addition to its low calorie count, popcorn is also low in fat and is a good source of fiber. It’s also high in iron and helps the body absorb iron from other foods. Popcorn is also high in antioxidants, which help protect against cellular damage.
Serving Size
When it comes to the number of calories in oil popped popcorn, it’s important to remember that the serving size makes a difference. A typical serving size of oil popped popcorn is one cup, and as mentioned above, it contains between 5-10 calories per cup. However, if you’re eating more than one cup of popcorn, the calorie count will increase.
Topping Considerations
When it comes to popcorn, it’s easy to add extra calories without even realizing it. If you’re topping your popcorn with butter, cheese, or other flavoring agents, you’ll be adding more calories. A tablespoon of butter, for example, contains 102 calories and a tablespoon of cheese contains 114 calories. So if you’re watching your weight, it’s important to keep track of how much you’re adding to your popcorn.
Health Benefits of Popcorn
Popcorn has a lot of health benefits, despite its low calorie count. It’s a great source of whole grains and is high in antioxidants, which help protect against cellular damage. It’s also a good source of fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and can help with weight management.